Sea Wall rockfall shelter
CONSTRUCTION of a 209-metre rockfall shelter on the sea wall between Teignmouth and Dawlish could begin this August, if
Network Rail plans are approved.
Should the project be given the go-ahead and receive confirmed Government funding, the work is expected to take a year to complete. The structure will extend from Parsons Tunnel - the first of five tunnels northbound from Teignmouth.
NR said the new shelter was required because although falling rocks isn’t a new problem for the railway, recent studies (including drone flights) have revealed active falls from the rear cliff. It said an accumulation of material on the slope could trigger larger slides of debris which could land on the track.
NR plans to use pre-constructed concrete wall panels and beams on the roof, covered by a cushioning material to absorb the falling debris on the shelter. It will feature open sides so that passengers can retain a sea view.
This will be the third phase in NR’s South West Rail Resilience Programme, following the construction of two sections of sea wall at Dawlish (the second is due to be completed in 2023).
NR has submitted the plans for ‘prior approval’ under its permitted development rights. Under this, Teignbridge District Council will consider only the design, materials or siting of the project to ensure that the development “would not injure the amenities of the neighbourhood” and be satisfied it could not be “reasonably carried out elsewhere”.
Following feedback from the council, NR has conducted additional studies and submitted reports that set out the approach to ecological protection and management of the potential impact on wildlife.
There are also engineering challenges facing NR, including limited access because the railway is flanked by cliffs on one side and the sea on the other. The requirement to not shut the railway for lengthy periods must also be considered, said NR.
Preparatory work will start at the top of the cliffs overlooking the railway on March 22, when NR plans to start cutting back some of the vegetation and installing safety netting to secure shrubbery on the cliffs and reduce any falling debris. This work will be monitored to ensure the least disruption for wildlife habitats and biodiversity.
“The line at Dawlish is a vital link between the peninsula and the rest of the UK and the rockfall shelter is an important element in future proofing and improving the resilience of our main line,” said Peninsula Rail Task Force
(PRTF) Chairwoman Andrea Davis.